In
one sense, dating relationships are no different than any other
relationship. Just like with non-romantic relationships, you will
get a lot further if you are honest about your needs and communicate
them in a constructive way. Since communication is especially
paramount for dating relationships, it's important to be honest about
your communication needs with your significant other. And since
technology is improving every day, wireless communication is getting
a lot easier and more affordable for the deaf and hard of hearing
population.
I
have chatted with a lot of deaf and hard of hearing people about
relationships (romantic or otherwise), and I've come to the following
conclusion: Hearing loss does not cause relational conflict. It's a
symptom that something deeper is wrong. When both parties have
effective communication, hearing loss is an inconvenience at most.
If your significant other is constantly being inconsiderate of your
communication/accessibility needs, that's not a sign that they have
problems with your hearing loss. That's a sign of selfishness,
woundedness or any number of problems that have nothing to do with
your hearing loss.
I
know this sounds so simple, but honestly, I think it really IS that
simple.
